Are You Election Ready?

The primary election will be held on August 30, 2016. Primary elections are very important. It’s possible that some races, such as Universal Primary Contests (a race that will be on all ballots, due to all candidates having the same party affiliation) Judges, school board, constitutional amendments or referenda issues will be decided during this primary election. The deadline to register to vote or to change your party affiliation for this primary election is August 1, 2016.

Florida is a Closed Primary State, which means if you wish to vote in a partisan primary election, you must be a registered voter in the party for which the primary is being held. Voters affiliated with a minor political party or those with no party affiliation (a.k.a “independent” voters) only vote for Universal Primary Contests (races that will be on all ballots due to all candidates having the same party affiliation), nonpartisan offices and issues during a primary election. If you need to change your party affiliation, the change must be made 29 days prior to the election. 69187002

Any eligible and registered voter in Florida may vote by mail. Mail ballots are counted in the State of Florida during every election and are among the first results available at 7:00 p.m. on election night. If you choose to vote by mail, contact your local election office to request your ballot. It is very important when voting by mail that your signature on file in the elections office is up-to-date.

If you do not vote early or vote by mail, you must vote at your home precinct on election day (F.S. 101.62 (4)(c)(5) unless you are precluded from doing so by an emergency. Visit your supervisor of elections’ website to determine where your precinct is located.

Please see the below information for important dates for the upcoming August 30th Primary Election: August 1, 2016: Book for 2016 Primary Election (last day to register to vote or change party affiliation)August 24, 2016: Deadline to request a mail ballot for the 2016 Primary ElectionAugust 30, 2016: 7:00 p.m.: Deadline to return mail ballot to the elections officeAugust 30, 2016: Primary Election